News and updates

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January 29, 2026 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

April 23, 2026 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

July 30, 2026 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

October 22, 2026 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

New laws taking effect in 2026 NEW

Each year, new laws go into effect that can have an impact on the automotive repair industry. Below is a summary of the key changes taking effect January 1, 2026. We've also included reminders to help licensees stay in compliance.

New laws for 2026

AB 987 (Sharp-Collins): Vehicle storage and towing

Assembly Bill 987 expands the list of presumptively unreasonable fees in Vehicle Code sections 10652.5 and 22524.5 to include, among other things, storage fees charged for state holidays that exceed the posted standard daily storage rate. It also includes towing fees charged when the owner is directed by a law enforcement officer to remove their vehicle to clear the roadway during a state or local emergency.

SB 774 (Ashby): Citation and remedial training programs

Senate Bill 774 bill extends the sunset (or end) date of the remedial training program for automotive repair dealers from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028. The program allows an automotive repair dealer to prevent disclosure on the Bureau website of a citation for violation of the Automotive Repair Act by attending remedial training from a BAR-accepted training provider.

SB 861 (Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee): Technical Cleanup

Senate Bill 861 updates cross references to the Business and Professions Code that replaced provisions for licensure of lamp and brake adjusting stations and adjusters with provisions for licensure of vehicle safety systems inspection stations and technicians.

Important reminders for the new year

The start of the year is a good time to review ongoing requirements:

Online advertising requirements for automotive repair dealers NEW

Starting October 1, all automotive repair dealers must follow new requirements for online advertising. These rules apply to all automotive repair businesses and were adopted as part of the recently adopted regulations for mobile automotive repair and automotive repair referral services.

All online advertisements for your business must include:

  • Your business name as registered with BAR
  • Your automotive repair dealer registration number
  • Your phone number as registered with BAR

Licensees are encouraged to review their license information on file with BAR and update it online if needed.

New tear down disclosure requirements now in effect—Updated Write It Right guide available

New tear down requirements for automotive repair dealers are effective July 1. These changes are part of the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) approved regulatory action to update to Title 16 of the California Code (sections 3303, 3352, and 3353).

Key regulatory changes

  • Adds and amends definitions, including “tear down,” “third-party payor,” and “specific job”
  • Clarifies what must be included in a tear down estimate, such as time and cost to reassemble
  • Outlines requirements for preparing an estimate based on one provided by a third-party payor
  • Requires disclosure of third-party payor amounts on the estimate, or a notice if the amount is unknown
  • Requires towing service fees to be provided to the customer and authorized separately from the repair estimate

View the final regulatory text and materials.

Updated Write It Right guide now available

BAR has updated the Write It Right guide to help automotive repair dealers with the new requirements. The revised guide includes simple Q&As, updated definitions, and new sample estimates.

Get the updated guide.

Submit your educational certifications online

Automotive repair dealers can now submit their educational certifications online. This information is also now displayed on BAR's Auto Shop Locator.

If you've already submitted certifications with your application, please resubmit them online. This will help ensure they appear on the Auto Shop Locator.

Help consumers learn about your business's qualifications when choosing an auto shop. Submit your educational certifications today!

Online applications now available

The new online license application process allows applicants to complete the application, upload documentation, pay fees, clear deficiencies, and receive processing notifications entirely online.

Expedited licensure application processing for service members enrolled in Skillbridge

Beginning July 1, 2024, expedited licensure application processing is available to service members currently enrolled in the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Program.

Service members seeking licensure in California who qualify must complete an application for licensure and provide documentation of enrollment, such as an official letter from the commanding officer. Failure to provide proper documentation could result in application processing delays. Applicants must still meet all licensing requirements.

For more information on licensing resources available to service members, visit Resources for members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.

Get guidance on storage fees

BAR's storage fee webpage is intended to help support consumers and both the automotive repair and insurance industries with common storage fee issues. The page provides information on charging storage fees, towing and storage services, working with insurers, and resolving complaints and disputes.

Print your license online

BAR’s new license print feature offers licensees the convenience of self-service license printing, eliminating the need to wait for the license mailed by BAR’s print vendor or request a duplicate/replacement license.

Renewal notice printing delays

Due to technical difficulties being experienced by the vendor responsible for printing and mailing BAR's license renewal notices, licensees may experience delays in receiving their renewal notices. Licensees who do not receive their courtesy renewal notice are still responsible for renewing their license before the expiration date.

For assistance, contact BAR's Licensing Program by email at BARLicensing@dca.ca.gov or by phone at (855) 735-0462.

The Smog Check Referee Program is recruiting

Join the Referee team and help reduce air pollution for all Californians. Positions are open at community college campuses throughout California. Learn more

BAR career opportunities are available for auto professionals

We’re hiring! BAR is seeking professionals in the automotive industry to fill program representative vacancies across the state. For information on openings and how to apply, visit Career Opportunities.

Fraud alerts for DCA licensed professionals

DCA licensed professionals may be impacted by fraudulent activity. Read fraud alerts